Challenge yourself to something different in 2014

Dec. 28, 2013

No, I am not talking about the lucky bamboo house plant, though they are nice. I mean trees, outside, that are some of the fastest-growing plants in the world.

We think of bamboo as a tropical plant, but it grows well in cold mountains and in our zone 5 here in Iowa.

Bamboo is actually in the grass family, and like the popular ornamental grasses, it grows to new heights each year. Starting in April, shoots emerge and by July will have grown 2 more feet than the year before.

This plant makes a great screen if you choose the fast spreading type. Planted 3 to 5 feet apart, they will form a thick, dense screen. Plant them almost back to back if you want an immediate screen.

Like many plants, they need five to six hours of direct sunlight. Keep that in mind when you are looking for the best place in your yard. Watering is very important, as is fertilizer. Bamboo thrives on nitrogen just like most grasses.

Dig a hole about two times the bamboo root mass. Work compost or manure in the bottom of the planting hole to help increase the drainage. If your soil is heavy and not the preferable acidic loamy type, add the organic matter and mulch heavily. Earthworms love it and they will aerate the soil for you.

Perhaps one of the most popular bamboo plants is the Black Bamboo. It can grow up to 35 feet. The jet black stalks (called culms) next to the green feather-like leaves is very attractive. It is extremely sought after for the prized decorative wood working because it keeps it color when dried.

Bamboo grown in ornamental pots or simple plain large containers can be a stunning addition to your patio or yard. In the summer, heat and winds give it lots of water. In winter, bring it in as you do other potted or house plants. High ceilings in your house would be a plus.

The uses of bamboo range from paper, food, musical instruments, in cloth, and construction. And, of course, in fishing poles.

Soft bamboo shoots are staples in animal diets. Who hasnít seen pictures of the giant pandas in China munching on them?

So for something new this new year, perhaps a bamboo plants will be your choice.

ē NOTE: The Johnson County Master Gardeners have a speakers bureau as one of their projects. Many volunteer for it to keep up their hours of service. If you have an organization or service club and need a speaker, call the Extension Office at 337-2145 and ask for a Master Gardener or leave a message. This is a great way to learn about new garden techniques, plants, flowers and vegetables. They love to answer questions, too.

Judy Terry is a freelance garden writer. Questions or comments should be sent to her at Iowa City Press-Citizen, P.O. Box 2480, Iowa City, IA 52244-2480; faxed to 834-1083; or emailed to life@press-citizen.com.